Each area of the court has its own name.

It is very important to use the proper

terminology when describing these areas.
The court areas of a typical basketball court include:
Three Second Area
This is the area below the free throw line and between the lane lines. It is sometimes
called the "Paint" since, in most gyms, it is painted. If any offensive player remains in
this area for more than three seconds it is a violation and the other team gets the ball.
Note: Some professional leagues, like the NBA, also limit the defensive players to three
seconds in this area as well.
Block
The block is a buffer area painted on the lane lines separating offensive and defensive
players during a free throw attempt. Additionally, it is a very strategic area during the
game. Any player - offensive or defensive - establishing a position on the block gains a
definite advantage.
Elbow
The elbow is the area of the court where the free throw line meets the lane line. Like the
"Block", the Elbows become important on dribble penetration. Any player - offense or
defense - who gets to the elbow first will gain an advantage.
Free Throw Line Extended
This imaginary line represents the extension of the free throw line across the width of the
court. Most coaches use it to establish defensive rules. When the ball is above the free
throw line extended a certain rule applies. When the ball is below it another rule
applies. It is also used as a reference for offensive player alignment.
Top Of Circle (Key)
The top of circle is the area straight out from the basket just outside the free throw circle.
It is use primarily as a reference for aligning offensive and defensive players. It is also a
favorite spot from which many players like to shoot.
Wing
The wing area is located on the side of the court near the free throw line extended. Wing
areas are designated "Ballside" or Weakside" according to the location of the player with
the ball. The wing on the same side as the ball handler is the "Ballside or Strongside"
wing. The wing on the side away from the ball handler is the "Weakside" wing.
Corner
The "Corner" is primarily used to designate the area where the sideline and baseline
meet. This is another favorite area from which players like to shoot. It is usually an open
area when zone defense is played. However, it is also an area where the defense can
readily trap an offensive player with the ball.
Short Corner
The short corner is an area along the baseline half way between the sideline and the lane
line. It is a strategic offensive area especially used against zone defenses.
4' Restricted Area (Pro)
In professional basketball there is a semi-circular 4' restraining area in front of the
basket. No offensive charges can be taken by defenders when they are positioned on or
inside this area.

Front Court
The term Front Court is used to denote the offensive end of the court from the midcourt
line to the baseline.
Back Court
Back Court is used to denote the area behind the mid court line. It includes the half of the
court from the midcourt line back to the endline. Once the ball is advanced across the
midcourt line into the front court, it cannot go back into the Back Court.
Court Dimensions High School College International NBA WNBA
Court Length 85' 94'
28m
(91'10")
94' 94'
Court Width 50' 50'
15m
(49'2.5")
50' 50'
Lane Width 12' 12'
4.9m
(16')
16' 12'
Three Point Line 19'9" 19'9"
6.25m
(20'6.1")
23'9" 19'9"
Period Time (Number of
Periods)
8min (4) 20min (2) 10min (4)
12min
(4)
10min
(4)
Shot Clock
30 seconds
(Girls)
35 seconds
Men
30 seconds
Women
24 seconds
24
seconds
30
seconds
With a clear understanding of the various lines, markings and areas of the court, next
learn how to read and interpret play diagrams.